@thesceneoc Twelve minutes from Mission Viejo and suddenly you’re staring at 40-million-year-old red cliffs that look like they were shipped in from S... See more
Twelve minutes from Mission Viejo and suddenly you’re staring at 40-million-year-old red cliffs that look wildly out of place in suburban Orange County.
This is Red Rock Canyon inside Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. And yes, it feels like someone dropped a slice of Sedona into Foothill Ranch.
The Hike
The out-and-back to the canyon is roughly a two-hour round trip at an easy pace. The first stretch is mellow, wide, and sun-soaked. You’ll pass hikers, mountain bikers, maybe a few trail runners who look suspiciously energized.
Then the landscape shifts.
The hills tighten. The dirt deepens in color. And those rust-red sandstone bluffs rise up in front of you. It’s dramatic without demanding a full-day expedition.
Why It’s Special
The red sandstone formations date back about 40 million years
The canyon walls glow at golden hour
It’s one of the most unexpected landscapes in South OC
It’s the kind of place you bring an out-of-town friend just to watch their confusion. “Wait… this is Orange County?”
Trailhead
📍 26701 Portola Pkwy, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
Park near the Ralphs shopping center and you’re basically at the entrance.
Step-by-Step
Follow Borrego Canyon Trail from the parking lot. This is the main, wider trail that winds through oak woodland — shared with mountain bikers.
After about 1.5 miles, you’ll spot the sign for Red Rock Canyon Trail on your left.
Turn onto that trail. It’s designated hikers only and quickly starts to feel more desert than forest.
A short jaunt later you’ll be surrounded by those stark red sandstone walls.
The signed canyon trail is well marked and easy to follow. The whole out-and-back loop clocks in at about 4.2–4.7 miles round trip with gentle elevation.
Trail Realities
Trail Use: Borrego Canyon is multi-use (hikers + bikes). The Red Rock Canyon spur is hiking only.
Dogs: Not allowed on Borrego Canyon Trail or the official canyon trail.
End Point: Trails don’t continue deep through the canyon — the official Red Rock Canyon end is a viewpoint where climbing was restricted in recent years.
Go in the morning if you can. There’s very little shade, and the sun here does not play around.
Park Hours are 7:30 to Sunset
Go with a group. Mountain lions are a real thing.
